Mobile Automatic Location Identification (ALI) for First Responders

ABSTRACT

Automatic Location Indication (ALI) data is digitally transferred from a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to a first responder via a web site accessed by the first responder. The web site lists each live E911 call within their jurisdiction, and appends the caller&#39;s ALI and/or other location data relative to each call. Preferably the first responders (e.g., police car, paramedic, ambulance, fire truck, etc.) can view not only the emergency caller&#39;s information for those E911 calls that they are responding to, but also information about other emergency callers that other first responders are responding to. This facilitates the actual response to individual emergency calls as well as the overall management of multiple responders to multiple emergency calls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to emergency call systems (e.g., E9-1-1),including wireless and Internet Protocol (IP) based Voice Over InternetProtocol (VoIP) emergency call systems, that rely on non-call associatedsignaling in order to provide location data.

2. Background of the Related Art

9-1-1 is a phone number widely recognized in North America as anemergency phone number that is used to contact emergency dispatchpersonnel. Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) is defined by an emergency call beingselectively routed to an appropriate PSAP, based on a special identifier(P-ANI, or “Pseudo Automatic Number Identifier”, also referred to as“ESxK”), and includes the transmission of callback number and locationinformation when 9-1-1 is used. E9-1-1 may be implemented for landline,cellular or VoIP networks. A Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) is adispatch office that receives 9-1-1 calls from the public. A PSAP may bea local, fire or police department, an ambulance service or a regionaloffice covering all services. As used herein, the term “PSAP” refers toeither a public safety access point (PSAP), or to an Emergency CallCenter (ECC), a VoIP term.

Regardless of the network type, a 9-1-1 service becomes E-9-1-1 whenautomatic number identification and automatic location informationrelated to the call is provided to the 9-1-1 operator at the PSAP. Aprimary challenge results from the fact that calls may arrive at thePSAP without the caller's actual callback number or location informationdisplayed at the emergency operator's terminal.

FIG. 3 shows a conventional landline public safety access point (PSAP)to automatic location identifier (ALI) connection.

In particular, FIG. 3 shows a PSAP 400 connected to one AutomaticLocation Identifier (ALI) database 401. Upon receiving a 9-1-1 call, thePSAP 400 queries the ALI 401 for location data. The ALI database 401accepts the query from the PSAP 400 for location. The query includes thetelephone number of an emergency caller. The ALI database 401 relatesthe received telephone number to a physical street address and providesthat street address (location information) back to the PSAP 400 in amanner that works for the customer premise equipment (CPE) display atthe PSAP 400.

An ALI is typically owned by a local exchange carrier (LEC) or a PSAP,and may be regional (i.e. connected to many PSAPs) or standalone (i.e.connected to only one PSAP). There is currently no one single standardinterface protocol for PSAP-ALI connection/communication.

FIG. 4 shows a context diagram for a conventional non-landlinepositioning center (e.g., an Internet based voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP) positioning center).

In particular, the ALI database 401 a includes a conventional emergencyservices key (ESQK or ESRK) in a location request sent to an appropriatepositioning center 402 (XPC). The emergency services key (ESQK or ESRK)is used by the positioning center 402 as a key to look up the locationand other call information associated with the emergency call.

In non-landline telephony, the PSAPs 400 a query the ALI 401 a forlocation information. However, the ALI 401 a is not pre-provisioned withlocation data for non-landline calls (e.g. cellular, VoIP etc) and mustcommunicate with other network entities to obtain and deliver locationdata to the PSAP 400.

Non-landline telephony standards (e.g. cellular, VoIP etc) have mandatedthat ALIs 401 a maintain connectivity to a positioning center 402 thatis able to provide current location data for a non-landline call. In thecurrent state of technology, the positioning center 402 provides thecaller's location and the callback number to the ALI, which passes it tothe requesting PSAP. As can be seen in FIG. 4, an ALI may maintainconnectivity to more than one positioning center via multiple interfacetypes—both standard and non-standard (e.g. NENA-02, E2/E2+N−E2(ESP),PAM, etc.).

As used herein, the generic term “XPC” refers interchangeably to anystandards-based positioning center. As examples, a positioning center402 may be any one of the following types used in non-landline networks:

-   -   GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center): The positioning center        that retrieves, forwards, stores and controls emergency position        data within the GSM location network.    -   MPC (Mobile Position Center): The positioning center that        retrieves, forwards, stores and controls emergency position data        within the ANSI location network.    -   VPC (VoIP Positioning Center): The positioning center which        retrieves, forwards, stores and controls emergency position data        within the VoIP location network.

The term “XPC network” is used herein when appropriate to refer to anynon-landline network where a positioning center 402 responds to ALIqueries including an emergency services key for location, e.g.,cellular, VoIP etc.

In the process of handling an emergency call, a first responder (orresponders) may be dispatched to the caller's location. Typically, thedispatcher at the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) determines theappropriate first responder(s), and makes contact with a dispatcher forthe appropriate first responder. After contact, the PSAP dispatcher(and/or the dispatcher for the first responder) conveys relevantlocation information to the first responder.

Using conventional techniques, most PSAPs rely on the age-old method ofverbally relaying caller Automatic Location Identification (ALI) data tothe first responder, i.e., speaking the caller's location informationover a voice phone call between the PSAP and the first responder.

While many police and fire department vehicles do have wireless datatransfer capabilities, such services are typically used to interact withlocal or regional databases to check license plates, criminal records,outstanding warrants, etc. No conventional method exists to use wirelessdata transfer capabilities for downloading ALI data relating to a PSAP'semergency call to a first responder.

While the next generation of E911 services has promised to facilitatethe delivery of caller information (name, address, phone number, medicalconditions, etc) from an emergency caller to the PSAP, little progresshas been made in the second leg of communication, i.e., in relaying thiscaller information as digital data from the PSAP to the relevant firstresponder (e.g., police, fire, or medical).

Needless to say, while serving the purpose, verbal relay of locationinformation is slow and prone to error. At best, verbal transfer of ALIinformation from a PSAP to a first responder delays a lifesavingresponse, and at worst can result in the dispatch of a first responderto a wrong address.

There is a long felt but unsolved need for efficient transfer oflocation information relating to a PSAP's emergency call from the PSAPto a first responder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a method andapparatus for providing location information to a first respondercomprises obtaining at a public safety answering point (PSAP), locationinformation regarding a location of an emergency caller. The locationinformation is presented to a web page accessible by a first responder.The first responder is permitted access to the location information viathe web page. The location information is displayed on the web pageshowing an association with a respective emergency call.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description with referenceto the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows relevant network elements in an E911 mobile ALI system thatprovides ALI data digitally from a PSAP to a first responder, inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary mobile ALI call flow tracing a 911 call usingan E911 mobile ALI system such as that shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a conventional landline public safety access point (PSAP)to automatic location identifier (ALI) connection.

FIG. 4 shows a context diagram for a conventional non-landlinepositioning center (e.g., an Internet based voice over Internet Protocol(VoIP) positioning center).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention facilitates the transfer of Automatic LocationIndication (ALI) data digitally from a Public Safety Answering Point(PSAP) to a first responder.

In particular, the inventive solution provides a web site accessible tofirst responders that lists each live E911 call within theirjurisdiction, and appends the caller's ALI data relative to each call.Preferably the first responders (e.g., police car, paramedic, ambulance,fire truck, etc.) can view not only the emergency caller's informationfor those E911 calls that they are responding to, but they can also viewinformation about other emergency callers that other first respondersare responding to. This facilitates the actual response to individualemergency calls as well as the overall management of multiple respondersto multiple emergency calls.

FIG. 1 shows relevant network elements in an E911 mobile ALI system thatprovides ALI data digitally from a PSAP to a first responder, inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, an emergency call may be initiatedfrom any type phone device 107, e.g., a wireless phone, a landlinephone, a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone, an Internet Protocol(IP) device, etc.

The emergency call is handled by a relevant central office 208 (landlinephone), mobile switching center (wireless phone), or VoIP switch (VoIPphone), and routed to an appropriate public safety answering point(PSAP) 200, e.g., via a selective router 206.

As is otherwise conventionally known, automatic location identification(ALI) location data is obtained for an appropriate ALI, VoIP positioningcenter (VPC), or mobile positioning center (MPC) 204.

The local dispatcher 202 at the PSAP 200 determines what firstresponder(s) are appropriate for the given emergency call, anddispatches the appropriate first responder vehicle 102.

Importantly, the first responder vehicles 102 are provided with InternetProtocol (IP) based wireless access capability via the public Internet104, and a suitable web browser capable of accessing an ALI data webpage 101. Suitable exemplary web browsers include, e.g., InternetExplorer from Microsoft Corporation, or Mozilla's Firefox™, etc.

Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, an Internetaccessible ALI data web page 101 is hosted by the xPC, with individualALI data displayed and correlated by ESxK. The PSAP 200 and/or localdispatcher 202 maintain realtime updates by adding the identity of thedispatched unit to the ALI display. Importantly, the web page isaccessible by, and the first responder has access to, the Internet(e.g., via an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer™ Firefox™ orthe like).

The ALI data web page 101 is capable of displaying location informationrelating to a current or recent emergency E911 call. ALI informationdisplayed on the ALI data web page 101 may be maintained for a givenlength of time after a given emergency call terminates, based on anamount of memory available in a host server. If an indefinite amount ofmemory is available, ALI information displayed on the ALI data web page101 may correspondingly be available for an indefinite length of time.In any event, the most important purpose of the ALI data web page 101 isto provide first responders to an active or very recent emergency calllocation information to arrive quickly to render aid to the emergencycaller. Thus, even if ALI data is maintained by said ALI data web page101 for a long length of time, it is preferable that it be subordinateto ALI data relating to current or recent emergency (e.g., E911) phonecalls.

As shown in FIG. 1, government agencies such as the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation (FBI), the relevant Department of Motor Vehicles, theAFIS, etc. may also view the ALI location data posted at the ALI dataweb page 101. Equally important, the responders may view databasesmaintained by these agencies via the same internet connection usingexisting access protocols.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary mobile ALI call flow tracing a 911 call usingan E911 mobile ALI system such as that shown in FIG. 1.

In particular, as shown in step 1 of FIG. 2, at the time of serviceestablishment (or other appropriate time), a caller's ALI data isuploaded into an appropriate database (i.e., the ALI database).Typically, this will be an ALI database managed by the PSAP or the LECor an MPCNPC. Additional data can be loaded by the customer above andbeyond the traditional ALI data. For example, the customer might wish toalert responders that they have pets (in case of fire), or that they areallergic to morphine, etc.

In step 2, the emergency caller dials 911 from any device, e.g.,wireless, landline, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), etc.

In step 3, the emergency call is directed to the PSAP via traditionalmethods. That is, the emergency call is routed to the PSAP via existingtechnology or via next generation Internet Protocol (IP). The PSAPqueries the ALI database via existing or future IP technology, andreceives ALI data via traditional methods, and retrieves ALI data.

In step 4 a, the xPC stages data in a hosted web page that relates theESxK with the ALI data for that call.

In step 4 b, the PSAP dispatcher accesses the hosted ALI web site foradditional ALI information data. The PSAP dispatcher also annotates theweb site with responder assignment. Thus, the ALI data web page 101 ishosted by the VPC/MPC 204, and the initial ALI data and ESxK informationis posted by the VPC/MPC 204 (step 4 a). In the disclosed embodiments,the dispatcher merely adds the dispatched vehicle information in step 4b.

Thus, using the caller's telephone number, the PSAP queries a separateweb site for additional ALI data. Via this web site, the PSAP dispatcherenters the responder info that identifies which responder was assignedto this call. In some cases, this responder might be a local policeprecinct, for example. The dispatcher at the precinct can then log intothe web site and add information as to which specific patrol car wasdispatched to the scene. The dispatcher at the PSAP or at the precinctcan also view what other patrol cars have been dispatched to what otheremergencies.

In step 5, the PSAP dispatcher relays caller information data to thelocal first responder, or dispatches responders directly via radio.

Thus, the local responder receives the verbal dispatch and logs onto theweb site. The responder can input his/her own ID and can then viewinformation related to calls that have been dispatched to him/her. Theresponders can also view what fellow responders have been dispatched toother emergencies.

In step 6, if related to an intermediate dispatcher, the intermediatedispatcher accesses the web site and updates the ultimate responderinformation. The responder can add additional data to the web siterelated to the status of the response.

In step 7, when the responder receives the radio call, they log into theweb site.

In step 8, the web site displays all data related to the emergency call,plus data for all other responders.

Benefits of the invention include, aside from facilitating individualemergency responses and overall emergency management, the responders'management can use this web site to download daily summary reports.

The invention has particular use with any public safety entity involvedin emergency response, particularly those related to E911.

While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplaryembodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to makevarious modifications to the described embodiments of the inventionwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A method for providing location information to afirst responder, comprising: receiving a given emergency communicationfrom an initiating wireless device; presenting, to a web site, locationinformation relating to said given emergency communication; enabling anactive first responder to have access to said location information fromsaid web site; wherein said location information is displayed on saidweb site showing an association with said given emergency communication.16. The method for providing location information to a first responderaccording to claim 15, wherein: said location information is obtainedfrom an automatic location identification (ALI) server.
 17. The methodfor providing location information to a first responder according toclaim 16, wherein: said ALI location information is presented to saidweb site by a public safety answering point (PSAP).
 18. The method forproviding location information to a first responder according to claim17, further comprising: presenting, to said web site, additional ALIlocation information associated with a plurality of other activeemergency communications; and enabling said active first responder tosaid given emergency communication additional access to said additionalALI location information associated with said plurality of other activeemergency communications.
 19. The method for providing locationinformation to a first responder according to claim 17, wherein: saidweb site comprises location information associated with a plurality oflive emergency communications within a relevant jurisdiction of saidPSAP.
 20. The method for providing location information to a firstresponder according to claim 17, wherein: said ALI location informationis appended to a live emergency communication indicated on said website.
 21. The method for providing location information to a firstresponder according to claim 17, wherein: said emergency communicationis an E911 phone call.
 22. The method for providing location informationto a first responder according to claim 17, wherein: said web site isadapted to display a plurality of emergency calls, each of saidplurality of emergency calls being associated with respective locationinformation obtained by said PSAP.
 23. The method for providing locationinformation to a first responder according to claim 17, wherein: each ofsaid plurality of emergency calls is presented to said web site by saidPSAP.
 24. The method for providing location information to a firstresponder according to claim 17, wherein: said web site is publiclyaccessible.
 25. The method for providing location information to a firstresponder according to claim 17, wherein: said first responder is apolice car.
 26. The method for providing location information to a firstresponder according to claim 17, wherein: said first responder is anambulance.
 27. The method for providing location information to a firstresponder according to claim 17, wherein: said first responder is a firetruck.
 28. The method for providing location information to a firstresponder according to claim 15, further comprising: presenting, to saidweb site, additional location information associated with a plurality ofother active emergency communications; and enabling said active firstresponder to said given emergency communication additional access tosaid additional location information associated with said plurality ofother active emergency communications.
 29. The method for providinglocation information to a first responder according to claim 15,wherein: said web site comprises location information associated with aplurality of live emergency communications within a relevantjurisdiction of said PSAP.
 30. The method for providing locationinformation to a first responder according to claim 15, wherein: saidlocation information is appended to a live emergency communicationindicated on said web site.
 31. The method for providing locationinformation to a first responder according to claim 15, wherein: saidemergency communication is an E911 phone call.
 32. The method forproviding location information to a first responder according to claim15, wherein: said web site is adapted to display a plurality ofemergency calls, each of said plurality of emergency calls beingassociated with respective location information obtained by said PSAP.33. The method for providing location information to a first responderaccording to claim 15, wherein: each of said plurality of emergencycalls is presented to said web site by said PSAP.
 34. The method forproviding location information to a first responder according to claim15, wherein: said web site is publicly accessible.